The current Halton Elder Abuse Prevention Network (HEAPN) began in early 2023 under the leadership of Heather Thompson and represents a diverse group of service providers, community members and older adults with lived experience. The Network promotes community participation that is dedicated to the prevention of elder abuse in Halton through advocacy, education and community awareness.
HEAPN is one of over 40 regional networks of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (EAPO) which is recognized as the provincial organization leading elder abuse prevention in Ontario. EAPO envisions an Ontario where ALL seniors are free from abuse, have a strong voice, feel safe and respected. EAPO takes action by raising awareness, delivering education and training, working collaboratively with like-minded organizations and assisting with service coordination and advocacy.
With respect to advocacy, there are Lobby Days at Queen’s Park where EAPO and representatives from regional networks, such as HEAPN, request Government to take action to:
-Apply an elder abuse prevention lens to policy, legislation and programming addressing the care of older Ontarians
-Support the coordination and expansion of volunteer networks
-Provide sustainable funding
-Invest in abuse prevention strategies and programming
-Protect the financial well-being of older adults by investing in fraud prevention through financial literacy.
EAPO and its networks have adopted the World Health Organization’s definition of elder abuse: “A single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”
Elder abuse is seen now as a “Human Rights” issue worldwide.
In Ontario, elder abuse is a serious and growing injustice. In fact, 92% of older adults live in the community (as compared to those who live in congregate settings such as retirement residences or long-term care) where abuse may be more difficult to detect or address. Approximately 8% – 10% of seniors experience some form of elder abuse each year. Currently, over 2 million older adults aged 65 years or more living in Ontario (which translates to over 200,000 older adults) experience or are at risk of elder abuse.
For its part, HEAPN dedicates itself to promoting elder abuse prevention by delivering educational and awareness presentations which provide information as follows:
-The different types of abuse
-The warning signs of abuse
-How older adults can protect themselves from abuse
-The available resources in Halton and where to get help.
Since its beginning, HEAPN has led or participated in 30 events on elder abuse prevention including Wellness Shows and community gatherings and meetings. In addition, Heather Thompson and other Network members met with four Halton MPP’s in September and October this year to update them on the serious state of elder abuse in the region and to stress the need for a sustained prevention and support effort. Along with these special activities, HEAPN participated in June at City Hall in Burlington at a flag raising event to recognize World Elder Abuse Prevention Day held each year on June 15th.
It is abundantly clear, that abuse can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere; however, older adults are more vulnerable. For this reason, education and community awareness are important and indispensable tools in preventing elder abuse here in Halton. In recognition of this fact, HEAPN would like to acknowledge the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) for its generous ongoing support in providing financial and other resources to assist the Network in delivering the prevention message in Halton. CARP has been a stalwart supporter of HEAPN since its beginning in 2023. In addition, Red Leaf Cultural Integration has graciously donated funds to further support HEAPN in the New Year.
As we age, our social connections may decrease and for that reason it is paramount to stay active and connected by maintaining regular contact with friends, family, and social networks. Attending CARP’s monthly meetings and other community events are excellent ways to stay connected to a broader social network. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and others from the experience of or the risks of elder abuse.
If you would like more information about the Halton Elder Abuse Prevention Network, or request a presentation, please contact Heather Thompson at the following e-mail: [email protected]